IN July 2024, many people were shocked when a brutal video of an incident that occurred in Hwedza, Mashonaland East province, where five female teenagers assaulted 18-year-old Mavis Mada, went viral.
The attackers lured the victim under the guise of giving her vegetable seedlings, locked her in a hut, stripped her naked and severely beat her.
They also thrust sticks into her private parts while recording the ordeal on video and posted it online.
The victim lost consciousness during the attack, but was revived by her assailants before being released after hours of torment.
The video quickly went viral on social media, leading to public outrage and the swift arrest of the five suspects by the police.
The suspects, aged between 16 and 19 years, were charged with aggravated indecent assault.
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The eldest, 19-year-old Vimbai Mike, was detained in police custody, while the other four, who are minors, were released into the custody of their parents.
Mike and one of her accomplices were sentenced to five years in prison, while the three younger offenders were conditionally released.
In Zimbabwe, gender-based violence (GBV) remains a serious societal challenge, affecting thousands of women, children and even men annually.
According to statistics from UN Women, 1 in 3 women in Zimbabwe experiences some form of GBV in their lifetime.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the crisis, with reports indicating that domestic violence surged by 40% during lockdown periods.
However, the advent of information and communication technologies (ICTs), particularly the rise of smartphone usage, is revolutionising the fight against GBV, offering victims new channels to seek help and hold perpetrators accountable.
In Zimbabwe, where 67% of the population lives in rural areas, smartphones have become a powerful tool in addressing GBV and other crimes.
Even in the most remote parts of the country, where access to conventional services like police stations or counselling centres may be limited, smartphones are providing a lifeline.
With over 13,8 million mobile connections reported by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe in 2022, access to mobile technology has skyrocketed.
A significant portion of these smartphones enable users to access the internet, social media and support networks.
Through mobile applications, online reporting platforms and social media, victims of GBV can access vital information, connect with support services and report abuse more discreetly than ever before.
Platforms like First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa’s toll free line provide information on GBV, legal rights and direct access to counsellors and lawyers, empowering victims with knowledge.
Moreover, with WhatsApp being one of the most popular communication platforms, victims can quickly reach out to trusted networks or non-governmental organisations for help.
One rural woman, Sarah**, shared how she used her smartphone to escape an abusive marriage.
“In my village, there are no nearby police stations. My husband had threatened to kill me if I ever reported him. I used WhatsApp to talk to a women’s organisation and it guided me to safety. Without my phone, I don’t think I would be alive today,” she said.
Sarah’s experience is not unique.
The portability and affordability of smartphones mean that even in remote areas, women and children can access lifelines and resources that were previously unavailable.
This is particularly important in regions where cultural and societal norms often discourage victims from reporting violence openly.
With a smartphone, a victim can send an SOS message discreetly, lowering the risk of retaliation from their abusers.
Social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and WhatsApp have transformed the way information about GBV is disseminated.
Online communities and groups dedicated to fighting GBV are growing, providing support to victims and sharing educational resources.
The hashtag #EndGBV frequently trends in Zimbabwe, sparking national conversations about the issue and encouraging more people to take a stand against violence.
In some cases, perpetrators have been exposed via viral posts, putting pressure on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly.
A notable example is the case of a video that went viral in 2021 which exposed a man in Harare abusing his partner.
The footage was shared on social media, leading to widespread public outrage.
Within days, law enforcement intervened and the perpetrator was arrested.
“This kind of digital activism is holding abusers accountable in ways previously unseen, providing a sense of justice for victims who may have otherwise been silenced,” said digital expert Kimpton Hotera.
One of the key innovations in Zimbabwe’s fight against GBV is the creation of mobile platforms that allow victims to report abuse directly to authorities and organisations.
Platforms such as The GBV Information Management System (GBV IMS) enable victims to report incidents anonymously and track their cases online.
Perpetrators, too, have noticed the impact of ICT in Zimbabwe.
Former abuser, John Katesvu, recalled how technology altered his life.
“When my wife reported me using her phone, I didn’t even know she had contacted anyone. She showed me the messages and it shook me. I had to face the consequences. Now I am attendingcounselling sessions and I am trying to change,” he said.
Despite the positive strides, challenges remain.
In some rural areas, network coverage is still poor and not all women have access to smartphones or the necessary digital literacy to use them effectively.
Additionally, the cost of data can be prohibitive for many.
Moreover, concerns about digital safety also arise.
Perpetrators can use technology to stalk or monitor victims, which has led to calls for stronger cybersecurity measures and training for women on how to protect themselves online.
Women rights activist Joice Mateyaunga said ICT, particularly smartphones, are proving to be a game-changer in the fight against GBV in Zimbabwe.
“From providing victims with a voice and a channel to report abuse, to enabling nationwide awareness campaigns, technology is empowering individuals and transforming communities,” she said.
“While challenges remain in ensuring equal access to these tools, the future is promising. With continued investment in ICT infrastructure and education, smartphones will increasingly become the tool that Zimbabwean women and men alike use to take a stand against violence.”
**Not her real name